Why Selsun shampoo is not available and our alternatives

Many people suffer from dandruff, flakes or seborrheic dermatitis, which are not only annoying, but can also affect your self-confidence. One of the well-known shampoos for treating dandruff is Selsun Blue. This shampoo is known for its strong effect against dandruff and an itchy scalp. But you may have already noticed that Selsun Blue is no longer available in stores in the UK. Why is that? And what other effective, yet mild shampoos can you use against dandruff and flakes? We will explain in this blog.

Why Selsun shampoo is not available and our alternatives

Why Selsun shampoo is not available and our alternatives

Many people suffer from dandruff, flakes or seborrheic dermatitis, which are not only annoying, but can also affect your self-confidence. One of the well-known shampoos for treating dandruff is Selsun Blue. This shampoo is known for its strong effect against dandruff and an itchy scalp. But you may have already noticed that Selsun Blue is no longer available in stores in the UK. Why is that? And what other effective, yet mild shampoos can you use against dandruff and flakes? We will explain in this blog.

Innholdsfortegnelse

What is Selsun Blue and why does it work against dandruff?

Selsun Blue is an anti-dandruff shampoo with the active ingredient selenium sulfide. This ingredient works against dandruff in two ways:

  • Reduces sebum production: Excessive sebum production can contribute to the growth of Malassezia yeasts, which cause dandruff. Selenium sulphide inhibits this sebum production.
  • Fights the yeasts that cause dandruff: The shampoo acts as an antifungal agent and reduces dandruff and soothes the scalp.

This makes Selsun shampoo a popular choice for people with persistent dandruff or irritated scalps.

Why is Selsun Blue no longer available in the United Kingdom?

Selsun shampoo is no longer for sale in the UK. At the moment, the selenium sulphide shampoo has been discontinued as of September 2022. The substance is not approved any more by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and is subject to restrictions.

The reason for this ban is because of concerns over its toxicity and possible carcinogenicity. Selenium sulphide can be toxic if swallowed or if absorbed through the skin. This can lead to various side effects, including irritation of the skin and eyes, hair loss and, in more serious cases, even systemic toxicity.

There have also been concerns about the possible carcinogenicity of selenium compounds. Although the risks of topical use of shampoos with selenium sulphide are considered relatively low, caution is advised.

To offer consumers a milder and more tolerable solution, alternative, mild ingredients are increasingly being used in anti-dandruff shampoos.

What mild alternatives are there to Selsun shampoo?

Fortunately, there are still effective anti-dandruff shampoos available that are gentler on the scalp and do not contain selenium sulphide. The best alternatives we recommend are:

Neofollics exfoliating shampoo

A deep cleansing shampoo that effectively tackles dandruff, flakes and an irritated scalp. Piroctone olamine reduces dandruff and hair loss, stimulates hair growth and makes hair thicker. Witch leaf extract soothes the scalp, reduces inflammation and helps remove excess sebum and bacteria. The shampoo also contains nourishing ingredients that support hair growth.

Exfoliating Scalp Therapy Shampoo er klinisk bevist å gi lindring på grunn av sin høye konsentrasjon av aktive ingredienser. Sjampoen er egnet for både menn og kvinner. Neofollics eksfolierende sjampo er en del av en hodebunnsbehandling

Regenepure DR shampoo

A powerful yet mild anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole. This ingredient effectively fights the fungi that cause dandruff. The shampoo also contains caffeine, biotin and aloe vera to moisturise the scalp and nourish the hair follicles. Suitable for daily use without drying out the scalp.

Regenepure DR sjampo har en betennelsesdempende effekt Stimulerer hårveksten ved å hemme DHT Fri for SLS

Sources

Actual Medicinal Product (AMP) - Selsun 2.5% shampoo - dm+d browser. (n.d.). https://dmd-browser.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/amp/view/7415?ref=

Selenium sulfide / Selsun ® - Huidarts.com. (2017, March 2). Huidarts.com. https://www.huidarts.com/huidbehandelingen/seleniumsulfide-selsun